Solar Eclipse 2017

  • Released Thursday, June 11th, 2015
  • Updated Friday, September 29th, 2017 at 12:00AM

Overview

During the solar eclipse on August 21, 2017, the Moon's shadow will pass over all of North America. The path of the umbra, where the eclipse is total, stretches from Salem, Oregon to Charleston, South Carolina. This will be the first total solar eclipse visible in the contiguous United States in 38 years.

During those brief moments when the moon completely blocks the sun’s bright face for 2 + minutes, day will turn into night, making visible the otherwise hidden solar corona, the sun’s outer atmosphere. Bright stars and planets will become visible as well. This is truly one of nature’s most awesome sights.

The eclipse provides a unique opportunity to study the sun, Earth, moon and their interaction because of the eclipse’s long path over land coast to coast. Scientists will be able to take ground-based and airborne observations over a period of an hour and a half to complement the wealth of data provided by NASA assets.

Visit https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov for more information.

Aug. 21 Total Solar Eclipse Imagery

What is an Eclipse?

2017 Eclipse Path

Eclipse Safety

Eclipse Science

All August 21, 2017 Eclipse Visualizations

Live Shots

B-roll packages and interview clips from scientists in Spanish and English

Observing The Sun

Press Conference Materials

Past Eclipses Seen from Earth - Solar

Past Eclipses Seen from Earth - Lunar